Blogroll

This is Why You Should Replace Your ISP's Router ASAP

How-To Geek - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 17:30

When you buy service from an internet provider, they usually give you a router to go along with it. You might be inclined to use this router instead of going out to buy your own, but trust me: there are many reasons to ignore that ISP router.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Firefox Is Stealing Another Chrome Feature

How-To Geek - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 17:18

Mozilla's Firefox is one of the few non-Chromium browsers that exist these days, and it remains one of the most solid browser options out there. But that doesn't mean that it's not allowed to take a page or two from Chrome every so often. Now, it has just got a pretty useful Google feature that you might like.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This Logitech Mouse Cured My Wrist Pain—and It's 17% Off for Prime Day

How-To Geek - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 17:15

My first MX Master mouse was the second-generation model, and that transformed my struggle with wrist pain as someone who (like many of you) has to work in front of a computer all day. When my first MX Master mouse wore out, I upgraded to the MX Master 3S, and my wrist pain has never returned.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Fitness tracker deals are popping off on October Prime Day

Mashable - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 17:15
The best October Prime Day fitness tracker deals at a glance: Best Samsung deal Samsung Galaxy Ring $279.99 (save $120) Get Deal Best Google deal Google Pixel Watch 3 (41mm, WiFi) $170.99 (save $79) Get Deal Best Apple deal Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS + cellular, 42mm) $329 (save $170) Get Deal Best Fitbit deal Fitbit Versa 4 $132.95 (save $67) Get Deal

Amazon's Prime Day has quickly become one of the biggest retail events of the year. So much so that there are two a year. October's Prime Big Deal Days event just kicked off, and the deals are dealing. You can find Prime Day deal stamps across TVs, earbuds, and even high-end fitness trackers, including Apple, Samsung, and Fitbit. So if you need a new watch to track your 5K or monitor your sleep, we've rounded up some of Amazon's best deals on fitness trackers.

There are a few big names missing — Whoop and Oura — so if you're looking for those brands, we'd hold off on buying until Black Friday. Garmin deals are also lacking this time around. However, if an Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch or Ring, or Fitbit is on your shopping list, there are some record-low prices ready to add to your cart.

Below, we're tracking all the best fitness tracker deals at Amazon. All-time low prices are marked with a 🔥.

Be the first to know about the best October Prime Day deals. Follow Mashable's Prime Big Deal Days live blog and keep checking back for the latest discounts, stock alerts, and deal drops.

Best fitness tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Watch 3 (41mm, WiFi) 🔥 $170.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $79 Get Deal Why we like it

Google's Pixel Watch 4 will make its debut in the coming days, so it only makes sense that the third-generation watch hit a new record-low for Prime Big Deal Days. It's not our favorite smartwatch fitness tracker around, but we're willing to look past any flaws at this ultra-low price. While the Pixel Watch 3 doesn't have any major hardware additions compared to its predecessor, Google did go all out with improving workout features and making them more personalized with AI advancements. It also has a brighter and better display with better clarity in different lighting conditions. If having the latest and greatest fitness tracker doesn't matter to you, this deal is a diamond in the rough.

Best smart ring deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Ring 🔥 $279.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $120 Get Deal Why we like it

While the Oura Ring 4 surpassed the Galaxy Ring as our favorite smart ring, the Samsung wearable is still a beast. Mashable's reviewer Kim Gedeon gave it a near-perfect rating and claimed it's "so good, it has made me consider the unthinkable: dropping my beloved Apple Watch Series 9 for the Korea-based tech giant's new wearable." Standout features include a six-day battery life, a comfortable and durable design (water resistance!), impressive health tracking and monitoring, and zero subscription fees. Even at full cost, we think it's a worthy purchase for Android users. At only $279.99 — its lowest price on record — it's a steal. That beats its July Prime Day price by $20 for a total savings of $120.

Read our full review of the Samsung Galaxy Ring.

Apple

For a more detailed list, check out our roundup of the best October Prime Day Apple Watch deals.

Garmin

Google and Fitbit

Nothing

Samsung

Categories: IT General, Technology

It’s Now Illegal for Commercials to Be Too Loud in This State

How-To Geek - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 17:03

California just signed a new law, Senate Bill 576. This is going to force streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video to stop blasting loud, jarring commercials that are way louder than the shows you're actually watching.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to Crop Pictures in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

How-To Geek - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 17:00

Whether you want to focus on a particular part of a picture, remove distracting detail from the edges of a graphic, or reshape an image to fit a specific layout, the Crop tool in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is a useful and versatile feature. Here's how to use it.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The top 21 headphones deals to shop during October Prime Day 2025

Mashable - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 16:59
Best October Prime Day headphone deals Best headphones deal overall Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-canceling headphones $298 (save $101.99) Get Deal Best Bose deal Bose QuietComfort Headphones 🔥 $199 (Save $160) Get Deal Best AirPods deal Apple AirPods Max $429 (Save $120) Get Deal Best budget ANC headphones JLab JBuds Lux ANC wireless headphones $46.54 (save $33.45) Get Deal Best Budget Headphones Deal Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones 🔥 $38 (save $31.99) Get Deal

Amazon's October Prime Day (otherwise known as Prime Big Deal Days) is live. As expected, the two-day sale (running Oct. 7-8) has delivered a huge wave of discounts on some of the best headphones and earbuds from top brands like Bose, Sony, and Apple. The savings are plentiful. Bose has marked down their QuietComfort headphones by $160, while the Sony WH-1000XM4's reached $188, their lowest price ever.

Considering that new flagship headphones now cost $450 minimum, shopping events like Prime Big Deal Days and Black Friday are your best chance to grab the latest headphones at a good price.

SEE ALSO: The best October Prime Day tech deals, hand-picked by a tech editor

To help you narrow your search, we're rounding up only the best October Prime Day headphone deals. We’ll be updating this list throughout the entire 48-hour event as new deals drop and old ones sell out.

Note: Deals marked with a 🔥 denote an all-time low price.

Best headphones deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-canceling headphones $298 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $101.99 Get Deal Why we like it

The Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-canceling headphones are a Mashable Choice award winner (with a near-perfect 4.7 out of 5 score) for a reason. They offer an incredible 30 hours of battery life, a quick-charge feature that gets you three hours of playback in just three minutes, and some of the best noise cancellation on the market. In fact, Mashable Deputy Editor Miller Kern found the noise cancellation so good, she ditched her AirPods Pro for them. "As someone who primarily listens to music through AirPods Pro, the noise cancellation on the Sony headphones is a game-changer," she said. "I found myself reaching for these headphones over my AirPods."

More October Prime Day headphones deals

Be the first to know about the best October Prime Day deals. Follow Mashable's Prime Big Deal Days live blog and keep checking back for the latest discounts, stock alerts, and deal drops.

Looking for wireless earbuds on sale? Check our our guide to the best Prime Day deals on earbuds.
Categories: IT General, Technology

How Mori Calliope used VTubing to build a path to her dream Gachiakuta collab

Mashable - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 16:48

When Gachiakuta's second cour premieres next week, fans will hear a familiar voice behind its fiery new opening, "LET’S JUST CRASH." It's performed by Mori Calliope, hololive English’s resident reaper, and, as she puts it, "a longtime Gachiakuta stan."

The VTuber's friendship with mangaka Kei Urana runs deep; the two have traded fan art and admiration for years (Urana even drew Calliope's current profile picture on X). So when Calliope got the call to make a song for her favorite manga turned anime, her first reaction was disbelief. "I thought it was a dream — or a joke," she laughs.

SEE ALSO: 'Gachiakuta' might be the most original shōnen anime in years

For Calliope, the song captures what she calls "hope in the gutter," or the rage and beauty coexisting in chaos, just like the world of Gachiakuta itself. "Even now, it still doesn’t totally feel real," she tells Mashable over a video call from what looks like the Underworld. "I’m just so thrilled to be involved in my favorite series of all time."

We caught up with Calliope to talk about turning fandom into collaboration, the chaos and catharsis of Gachiakuta, and how she hopes this moment opens more doors for virtual artists in anime and beyond.

Making music for anime has always been a dream of yours. How did it feel when you first found out you'd be performing the opening for Gachiakuta's second cour?

Oh man, honestly, it still doesn't feel real. When I first found out, I couldn’t believe it. It didn't fully sink in until I actually started working on the song. Part of me kept thinking, Maybe they’ll take it back. Maybe they’ll change their minds.

When my producer told me, "Mori, I’ve got some big news for you — we need to meet in person," I knew something huge was coming. She only does that when it's something major. So we met, and I kept trying to guess what it could be. In the back of my mind, I thought, Maybe it's Gachiakuta. Maybe they’re going to offer it to me.

And when she finally said it, I just froze. I didn't think it was real. It felt like a dream or even a joke at first. Even now, after finishing the song, it still doesn't totally feel real. I’m just so thrilled to be involved in my favorite series of all time. It's such an exciting feeling.

You've called Gachiakuta your favorite series ever. What first drew you into Kei Urana's world?

It’s definitely Urana's style. The way she draws is unlike any other manga artist I’ve ever seen. Everybody's got their own distinct style in the manga world, but hers is just so far removed and in the best way possible. I also feel a lot of Western influence in her art, which I really connect with.

I've always loved Western cartoons and Japanese media equally, and her art feels like the perfect blend of both. I used to draw a lot back in the day, and I also feel like I drew with a style that combined Western and Eastern sensibilities, too, so it really spoke to me.

But it's not just the visuals — I love the way she writes characters. She's amazing at writing characters. There are so many different personalities in Gachiakuta, all going through their own struggles, but doing it together. I can’t help but love every single one of them.

It's a trash world, but there's hope to be found, too. Credit: ©Kei Urana, Hideyoshi Andou and KODANSHA/ “GACHIAKUTA” Production Committee Do you have a favorite Gachiakuta character?

A lot of my favorite characters are not in the anime yet, but I will go ahead and say my favorite who has come out in the anime so far is Amo. I’ve always been a huge Amo fan. I love everything about her. She might seem crazy on the surface, but there’s this softness inside her. Just like Rudo, she’s slowly becoming more human, learning what it means to connect with others. I love their dynamic — how they evolve side by side.

How did you approach translating Gachiakuta's gritty, metallic world into music?

Well, first and foremost, with Gachiakuta, since it’s my favorite series of all time, I really tried to take inspiration from every part of the world that I love. Not just the setting, but the characters too. For example, the rage that Rudo feels, and everything he’s going through in this world of trash and dystopia, but it's also so, so beautiful. There’s hope within all that ruin. I wanted to bring all of that together in a song that says, "No matter what kind of garbage situation we’re in, let’s make our dream come true. Let’s accomplish our goal."

The gritty world also influenced the sound design. I specifically asked my producer to include more metallic, gritty, "trash-core" sounds, something that really reflected Gachiakuta's atmosphere. I hope that comes through to the audience when they hear it.

You've described the song as capturing "hope in the gutter." What does that mean to you?

It's actually a lyric from the song. It's in Japanese, but it translates to "hope in the gutter." That line is at the heart of the song. It's about finding something bright even in the dirtiest, darkest places. There's anger and frustration in this world, but also hope. That mix is what makes Gachiakuta so powerful to me.

Rudo is the main character of "Gachiakuta." Credit: ©Kei Urana, Hideyoshi Andou and KODANSHA/ “GACHIAKUTA” Production Committee Was it harder or easier to write because you’re such a big fan?

Because I’m such a big fan, it was actually really hard, but also really fun. When I’m deeply invested in something, I take more time to make sure it’s perfect. I wanted the song to truly represent the story I love so much.

The first opening, "HUGs" by Paledusk, was just so good — I couldn't have asked for a better one. So when it came time for mine, I was like, "OK, how do I make something that feels just as fitting?" That pressure came from a place of love.

What kind of direction or emotions did you share with your producer?

First off, I made sure he’d read the manga, or at least some of it. That was really important to me. I wanted this song to be made by people who understood the story. Luckily, a friend of his had already introduced him to Gachiakuta, so he was familiar with it.

I gave him a big list of what I wanted: lots of gritty, "trash-core" sounds; something that leaned rock but not too metal; and room for me to shout and scream without going full-on guttural. I wanted that balance between rock and rap, something that hints at metal but still fits my voice. And he completely nailed it. He created exactly the kind of track I’d always dreamed of hearing for Gachiakuta.

Did you focus on catchiness at all, something that could get stuck in someone's head?

In my personal opinion, no, I didn’t really think about catchiness. I want to make songs that will be remembered forever, not just for a few months or a year. If I focus too much on making something catchy, I feel like I could get lost chasing trends instead of emotion.

That approach can totally work for other songs, and I think there’s real merit to it — but not for Gachiakuta. It just doesn’t fit what the story is about, or my own artistic sensibilities. There are plenty of trendy songs that I love to death, but this one needed to be something deeper, something that lasts.

Credit: Courtesy of Crunchyroll and Mori Calliope Anime openings often become cultural touchstones. What excites you about reaching Gachiakuta viewers who might be experiencing you for the first time?

Oh man, I’m super nervous. It’s totally unexplored territory for me. But I’m always happy to make new friends along the way — and to welcome more skeletons to the skeleton army. Come hang out anytime! We’re a really chill community. We love talking about music, just relaxing, and having fun on stream.

I also really love the Gachiakuta community. In fact, I have a secret Gachiakuta side account. I’ve mentioned it on stream before. It's where I retweet my favorite art, talk about new chapters, and interact with fans without them knowing it's me. It's kind of a double-life situation. But now that this song is coming out, I’m happy to say, "Hey, this is me, Mori Calliope — nice to meet you." If people discover me through Gachiakuta and decide to stick around, that makes me really happy.

You mentioned having that secret fan account. What do you enjoy about being able to experience fandom that way?

It’s so freeing. I can just fangirl over my favorite characters and relationships, retweet art, and get excited about every new chapter release without worrying about being "Mori Calliope." It’s nice to express myself completely and just be another fan in the crowd.

What does this kind of collaboration mean for your growth and evolution as an artist?

I'm just super grateful to even have the opportunity. Ever since my debut as a VTuber, I’ve wanted to make songs for anime. Before that, I was an underground artist — slowly climbing, little by little — so this feels like a huge full-circle moment.

It's funny because for a lot of artists, a tie-in like this feels like a stepping stone to bigger things. But for me, this song is the goal. This is the dream I've been chasing since the beginning. I don’t know what happens next, but I’m just enjoying this moment.

As one of the biggest English-speaking VTubers in music, what do you hope this project represents for virtual artists?

I'm definitely not the first VTuber to make a song for an anime, but in the English-speaking world, it's still pretty rare. I hope this helps more people see that virtual artists are completely viable for projects like this.

We're just like any other musicians. The only difference is how we look. We write, we perform, we create. In my case, I write all my own lyrics and even compose some of my songs. So my hope is that this opens more opportunities for virtual artists to collaborate on anime and games in the future.

VTubing has expanded into music, anime, live shows, and even fashion. What do you think is the next frontier for creators like you?

I feel like the sky’s the limit. Though it may take some time. I think, first, more anime and game projects for sure. That’s where my heart is, and that’s where I want to keep focusing my energy.

But I also think there's space for virtual artists to explore more mainstream directions too, and I'm cheering for anyone who wants to take that path. There’s room for all kinds of creativity in this space.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. So much of internet culture is personality-driven. What do you think keeps your fans invested in you beyond the music?

It's hard to talk about myself that way, but I think it's the gap. On stage, I have this confident, cool persona, the version of me that I want the world to see as an artist. But off stage, I’m honestly kind of awkward and clumsy. My fans know that from my streams.

Even though I get embarrassed sometimes, they seem to really love that side of me. They love teasing me, which…well, I’ve learned to accept. But I think that balance, showing strength and vulnerability, makes the connection more real. Nobody's perfect all the time, and I think people appreciate seeing both sides.

Have you seen the opening paired with the visuals yet?

No, not yet! At the time of this interview, I’ve only seen the PV [promo video]. They showed it to me to capture my real-time reaction, and honestly, I was kind of a mess afterwards. I don’t think I said anything coherent, but I was just so happy. I couldn’t stop smiling. I’m really, really excited to see the full opening animation when it’s finally revealed.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The German Crossover Everyone Overlooks and Why It’s Worth Considering

How-To Geek - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 16:30

In a market filled with flashy badges and big personalities, one German crossover often flies under the radar, but it shouldn’t. It delivers the refinement, performance, and build quality you’d expect from a premium brand, all without the inflated price tag or maintenance headaches.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Last chance: Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are only $188, an all-time low price

Mashable - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 16:17

SAVE 36%: During the Prime Big Deal Days event, both the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones are on sale at Amazon. The older XM4s are down to just $188, an all-time low price, while the XM5s are marked down to $298

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM4 Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones $224 at Amazon
$348 Save $124 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones $298 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $101.99 Get Deal

From commuters to creators, Sony’s WH-1000XM4 remains one of the most beloved pairs of over-ear headphones on the planet — making this Amazon Prime Day deal all the sweeter. Right now, Amazon is selling the XM4 headphones to the all-time low price of $188, a huge discount. Just last week, we re-reviewed the XM4 headphones to ask if they're still worth buying in 2025, and we found they held up surprisingly well — and that was before they went on sale like this.

Despite newer generations like the XM5 and XM6 hitting shelves, the XM4 continues to hit a sweet spot of performance, comfort, and value amongst audiophiles. After all, its Dual Noise Sensor technology and HD Noise-Cancelling Processor QN1 combine to hush the chaos of coffee shops, offices, or even jet engines with remarkable precision.

But the XM4’s strength is all about smart sound as well as silence. With Speak-to-Chat and Adaptive Sound Control, the headphones automatically pause or adjust when you start a conversation or move between environments. What’s more, the five-mic Precise Voice Pickup system ensures clear calls, while multipoint Bluetooth lets you switch seamlessly between devices.

Whether you’re working, flying, or just blocking out the world, the Sony WH-1000XM4 remains an audiophile-approved legend, but now with a price tag worth tuning into before Prime Days turn the volume back up.

SEE ALSO: Some of Amazon's early Prime Day Apple deals are already add-to-cart worthy

And if you do have room in your budget, the XM5 headphones are also on sale for Prime Day. The previous-gen wireless headphones are currently $298, a much more reasonable price for most people than the XM6 headphone's $449 price tag. They have most of the same flagship features of the XM6 cans, but with much-improved active noise cancellation compared to the older XM4s.

No matter which model you choose, these over-ear cans have dominated Mashable's guide to the best headphones over the years. You really can't make a bad decision here. That said, we don't expect supplies of this older model to last forever, so shop accordingly.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Walmart has major deals up to 75% off starting today — yes, the same time as Prime Day

Mashable - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 16:08
Best Walmart deals Best tech deal Samsung 27-inch Odyssey G55C Curved Gaming Monitor $179 (Save $70) Get Deal Best kitchen deal Keurig K-Mini Plus $48 (Save $61) Get Deal Best home deal Shark Detect Clean & Auto Empty Cordless Stick Vacuum System $94 (Save $285) Get Deal

When a new Prime Day sale gets announced, it's just a matter of time until other retailers get in on the savings. Walmart has officially kicked off a week of savings, conveniently running at the same time as Prime Big Deal Days, aka Amazon's October Prime Day, that runs Oct. 7 and 8.

Walmart doesn't have a flashy mouthful of a title to the sale like Prime Big Deal Days, and in all honesty, their sale is not nearly as expansive as Amazon. That being said, there are some real gems. Plus, unlike Prime Big Deal Days or Target's Circle Week, which require you to be a member of the brand's insider program to shop the deals, you don't need to be a Walmart+ member to shop.

Now that the sale has officially kicked off, we're digging in to find the best deals Walmart is running during its anti-Prime Day sale. Here's what we found.

Best tech deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 27-inch Odyssey G55C Curved Gaming Monitor $179 at Walmart
$249 Save $70 Get Deal Why we like it

The first wave of Walmart deals are slim pickings, but we found a gem with this Samsung gaming monitor. The curved gaming monitor spans 27 inches and with a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response, it provides ultra smooth displays. It features AMD FreeSync technology, to prevent image tearing and HDR10 supports a luminous background.

The Samsung 27-inch Odyssey G55C curved gaming monitor is down to $179 at Walmart, saving $70 off its $249 price tag. That saves you 28%, not to mention, it's about $20 cheaper than a similar model listed on Amazon.

More tech dealsBest kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: Keurig Keurig K-Mini Plus $48 at Walmart
$109 Save $61 Get Deal Why we like it

Amazon sets the bar on low prices, so we don't expect other retailers to necessarily beat theirs. However, we are pleased when Walmart matches Amazon's deals. Right now, the Keurig K-Mini Plus, a small but reliable coffee maker, is down to $48 at Walmart. That matches Amazon's price, which is the lowest price on this machine. That saves you $61 off of its usual $109 MSRP.

More kitchen dealsBest home deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Detect Clean & Auto Empty Cordless Stick Vacuum System $94 at Walmart
$379 Save $285 Get Deal Why we like it

Who said robot vacuums were the only ones with auto-emptying capabilities? The Shark Detect cordless vacuum, automatically empties the vacuum once it's docked, allowing it to charge and be ready for its next clean. Plus, right now it's received an insane discount of 75%. Grab this Shark cordless vacuum for just $94, saving $285 off its normal $379.

More home dealsWhen is Walmart's anti-Prime Day sale?

Walmart's anti-Prime Day sale kicked off on Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 12 AM ET. It will run for a full week, wrapping up on Oct. 12. That's much longer than Prime Big Deal Days which will run for just 48 hours on Oct. 7 and 8.

Walmart's sale actually started a bit earlier for Walmart+ members, who could start shopping the sale Oct. 6 at 7 PM ET.

Do you need to be a Walmart+ member to shop?

This time, you don't need to be a Walmart+ member to shop the seller's deals. The deals will be available to all shoppers on Oct. 7, however, members do get a head start. Walmart+ members can start shopping Walmart's deals on Oct. 6.

This sale is different from Walmart+ Week, which is a members only event and rather than focusing on product deals, it's centered on special services.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Meet Caroline Timoney, the TikTokker whose joke ended up in a Taylor Swift song

Mashable - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 16:02

Caroline Timoney began posting on TikTok in 2020, but it was 2021 when she created a video with such joie de vivre that it was elevated from a TikTok bit to a part of the public lexicon: "Listen, I can’t give any more information, but I fear I may have girlbossed a bit too close to the sun." The video has 7.6 million views, and the audio has been used more than 24,000 times.

Since then, Timoney moved from the East Coast to Los Angeles and built a following for her quick, expressive comedy style — the kind that's as much about her timing and eyebrows as it is about her punchlines. Online, she’s known for capturing the humor of awkwardness and self-delusion; offline, she's working full-time and performing at a monthly stand-up gig with her friend and collaborator Hannah Schoen ("I would never be able to do it without her") called Babe Stoppp, balancing late-night shows with a full-time day job.

Recently, her now-famous phrase resurfaced as a lyric on Taylor Swift’s newest album, The Life of a Showgirl. While many people in her comment section were quick to suggest she "lawyer up" and "get her bag," Timoney told Mashable she’s just thrilled to see a line she coined in college live on like this.

Timoney chatted with Mashable about her evolution as a comedian, using TikTok as a stand-up tool, battling creator burnout, and watching her viral phrase turn into something the entire internet now repeats.

SEE ALSO: Did Taylor Swift swipe a lyric from a TikTok creator? You have been popping up on my feed for at least four years. When did you start posting on TikTok?

My very first [TikTok] was [posted during] the classic COVID-2020 summer. I had just finished my freshman year of college, and I started posting very sporadically. I would say the "girlboss too close to the sun" audio, which was in 2021, I did between my sophomore and junior years, that gave a bump to my account. And then I would post comedy stuff every day, mostly front-facing stand-up-style comedy and sketches. I do stand-up, so it was a great place to figure out how to make comedy and develop a voice. I was on the improv team at Georgetown in college, and a lot of the people in my sketches are people from the improv team. I had a lot of people to collaborate with and make comedy with back in college.

Having a community to post with must have made it so much better.

Yeah, totally. I also love the TikTok style — it just goes to random people. I still don't post Reels to my Instagram. That seems so scary to me. That's horrifying. Because it's people from middle school seeing. I don't want this going to you guys. Unless it gets a ton of views, then maybe you can see it. But I love that TikTok goes to random people, and if it's not good, it won't be seen by anyone, which is the dream.

You've been posting a lot less lately. Is that on purpose?

I'm working full-time now. I moved to LA after I graduated from college, and I haven't had as much time since I've been working. And I also do stand-up live around LA, so that's also taken up more of my time. And aside from all of it, I go through phases with content. Keeping up with posting every day for five years? I stop having much to say, or I just go through phases of creativity.

It sounds like you don't force yourself. When you're stretching for content, how do you come up with ideas?

I'll just be walking around, going about my day, and the idea will pop in my head, and I write it in my Notes app. I have a whole long list of things. Sometimes if I have a free night or something, I'll go back through and try to work on a bit.

I have a Notes app for my story ideas, too, but I find that when I go through it later, it's all trash. 

Half of mine is literally just like, "biscuit" or "people are friends, but then they're not friends." And I'm like, what can I possibly mean by that? I remember writing it down and cracking up and being like, "I'm a genius." What are you talking about? It's half of the struggle. As long as I put enough stuff on there, there's something that's not awful or can be made into a better idea.

How do you see the relationship between what you're posting on TikTok and what you're working on for your standup?

It's actually pretty similar. Sometimes I use the TikTok bits that I have, and I'll expand them in my standup. I find it much harder to bring my stand-up sets to TikTok because my stories are so much longer with a lot of asides, so it's hard for me to edit them into something that would work on TikTok. It just wouldn't make sense, or the flow wouldn't work, or it is just too long. They're definitely the same kind of tone: I talk about similar things like observational comedy, dating, whatever. But my stand-up is so much longer.

I do a monthly stand-up show, and whenever that comes back around, I make a new set. So it's always nice having random TikToks that I can pull at or use as inspiration for a longer bit.

When I look at many of your TikToks, one of the tools that I think you use really well is your eyebrows, which seem very aligned with TikTok and less aligned with stand-up.

Truly. I always say if I get Botox, I'll be ruined. My eyebrows are everything. And they're oftentimes way more expressive than I am, or I feel. They're doing whatever those guys are doing. 

How do you balance social media, stand-up, and working full-time? 

It's been challenging for sure. The last thing I want to do when I get back from work is write stand-up. Performing is fine, I don't mind going somewhere, but if I have to sit down and really work, I'm dreading it. That's why it's nice having my monthly show, because it forces me to have some sort of deadlines. It has been like a strange transition [from college to work and] putting my comedy into an adult schedule. I still think it would be hard for me to fully not work. I need some sort of structure to my day. So, to just be like a full-time standup comedian would also be hard.

How do you handle burnout? What helps replenish your creativity?

I go through phases. Working with friends has been amazing. Whenever I have friends that I really laugh with and we can really work on a bit, it feels fun, and I feel like myself, and I feel like I'm doing my favorite thing. It just goes through such phases, especially with TikTok. I have friends who are TikTokkers who, every other week, they're back to like, "I really need to be better about posting." Even if you have a hot week or a few days of TikToks doing well or posting frequently, and then you get off of it a little bit, you're back to feeling like you're not doing enough again. 

But having a social media presence has helped me a lot, I would say, starting out in the comedy scene in LA. It helped me a lot getting on shows and knowing standups before I moved out here. It was really nice to already have that going.

How'd you find out your joke made it into a Taylor Swift song?

The day before [The Life of a Showgirl was released], I received texts from three different people who had listened to a leak of the album. We were like, "'Girlbossed too close to the sun' is in it." And I was like, "What?" I also lowkey was not believing it — slash was like, "That feels like something that someone could have made up."

I could see how someone would think that would be in a Taylor Swift song. So I was really not believing it. The next morning, I woke up first to 100 text messages on my phone. I'm from the East Coast, so most of my friends were already up. It was a really insane day the rest of the day.

Are you a Swiftie? 

I'm a total Swiftie, a huge Swiftie. She has been my Spotify number one for the past five or so years. I went to the Eras Tour. I'm a huge Swiftie, so I was just so excited by it more than anything. I was just truly so, so excited and really shocked. I was like, "This is crazy."

Did that feel different than when Candace Owens used it?

I didn't hear about that until comments where people were like, "[Taylor Swift is] referencing Candace," which she could be doing. She could be referencing Candace, who's referencing the phrase "girl boss too close to the sun." I do feel like the phrase became such a public phrase. I've had friends say it to me, who maybe first heard it from my TikTok audio or from a friend repeating the phrase to them, and they don't necessarily know that it's me. But it's cool to have contributed to the public lexicon. 

Do you ever find yourself saying, "I made that up," when people say it around you?

If someone says it around me, I'll pull [the video] up. 

I made a TikTok video about it two days ago, and I was calling my sister. I was like, "I don't want to be annoying." I had friends text me about the video and be like, "Wait, were you joking about that?" I was like, "No, no, I actually did make the phrase." 

What about people denying that you created the phrase?

Some comments [are] like, "She didn't make the phrase. I've been saying that for years." And it's like, well, you said it for years because I made it up years ago.

I was getting really heated about random comments. There are 2,000 comments on that video. I shouldn't be scrolling through them, something will make me mad. I was feeling a little defensive of my phrase, as much as it is public. 

And again, I don't have any legal stake in it. All of the comments are like, "Sue, sue, sue, sue, sue." I don't think that's possible. And again, I do think it's so public. But I'm so proud of my little phrase that I wrote. And I do think I do have some ownership over the fact that I came up with that. And I think it's cool, but I don't think I trademarked it or should or could trademark it.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. There is some precedent, though. 

Oh, really?

Yeah. Mina Lioness tweeted, "I did a DNA test and found out I'm 100 percent that bitch" before Lizzo released her album Truth Hurts, and Lizzo ended up giving Lioness a writing credit on the song. 

Wait a second.

Yeah, that was a tweet. 

That is an interesting example because that actually feels similar.

But I will say I am not trying to do that. Just because I really do think it's such a public phrase. But that is cool. I genuinely am just excited. I'm not suing Taylor or Candace Owens. I understand people can quote. But, again, I haven't fully wrapped my mind around all of it. 

I'm just excited that a phrase that I created ended up having such a life of its own, made its way into culture, and into a Taylor Swift song. I think that's the coolest thing ever. I don't want my whole thing to be "I'm trying to get back at Taylor Swift for stealing my line." I don't think it's stealing.

It is just the coolest. I was really in a rare form on Friday. I was shocked for 24 hours straight.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why That "Accept All Cookies" Button Is a Privacy Trap

How-To Geek - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 16:00

Cookie consent banners have become a common sight on the modern internet. While these banners were meant to offer users a genuine choice to opt out of unnecessary tracking, they've increasingly been subverted by dark patterns and manipulative UX design.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3i Robot vacuum and mops are up to 40% off for October Prime Day

Mashable - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 15:38

The age of basic robot vacuums is over thanks to 3i. Their current range covers every budget, with some smart features like extending arms, edge and corner mopping, self washing/drying and even AI obstacle avoidance. For homes like mine where kids socks can literally be found everywhere, these are features that save unjamming your robot helper every time it starts a cleaning cycle.

SEE ALSO: Yes, self-emptying robot vacuums are worth it — these October Prime Day prices seal the deal

Thanks to Amazon Prime Days over the next couple of days, everyone can get in on the 3i hype without paying the brand tax. Here's three models that will make your floors look brand new, but don't come with the cost of putting a new floor down.

Best budget 3i deal Opens in a new window Credit: 3i Budget pick: 3i G10+ Robot Vacuum and Mop $269.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $180 Get Deal Why we like it

With 40% off from $449 to $269.99, 3i G10+ is one of the best budget robo vacs right now. It compacts debris with patented tech which 3i reckons avoids emptying for 60 days. That's a 1 litre dustbin and a small dock for tighter living spaces. It also has extendable side arms to catch the dust and dirt it's competitors can't. It even has LiDAR and AI obstacle recognition for true hands free cleaning.

Best mid-range 3i deal Opens in a new window Credit: 3i Our pick: 3i P10 Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop $479.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $120 Get Deal Why we like it

Splashing out a bit more get's you P10, which features no-gap mopping with heads that spin at 220 RPM. It also rocks 18000Pa suction, which is roughly twice the power of competitor models in this price bracket. The dock features hot water mop washing and hot air drying plus 70 day breaks between emptying the dustbin, so there's no worries about hygiene issues with 3i P10.

Best overall 3i deal Opens in a new window Credit: 3i Our pick: 3i S10 Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop with Washable Filter $1,319.99 at Amazon
$1,919.98 Save $599.99 Get Deal Why we like it

At $600 off for Prime Day, 3i S10 is a beast of a robot vacuum and mop solution. It recycles it's own water, no refilling required and a first for robot vacuums by capturing moisture from the air and distilling dirty water. It cleans at 330RPM, with 12 spray holes for a steady flow of distilled water. Even the roller mop is self cleaning thanks to the built in scraper. Plus is packs 13000Pa suction, which means it'll handle anything whilst detection hard floors and carpets. What a beast!

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to Disable YouTube Shorts

How-To Geek - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 15:15

Not a big fan of YouTube's short-form videos in your feed and want to get rid of them? Unfortunately, there's no longer an official method to turn off YouTube Shorts, and while workarounds to hide them stopped working, you do have a few ways to block or otherwise see fewer Shorts. We'll show you how on iPhone, Android phone, and desktop computer.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Sesame Street is coming to Roblox

Mashable - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 15:00

It's been a rollercoaster of a year for beloved public education program Sesame Street, from threats to its federal funding to new collaborations with Netflix and YouTube. Now the program is entering the world of virtual gaming, as children, families, and longtime Sesame Street fans are introduced to the new Roblox hub, Sesame Street: Neighborhood Adventures.

Designed by the childhood education stalwart, the hub will allow users to explore the iconic Sesame Street block and create their own custom Sesame Street-style avatars, with child-friendly features and accessories. They can play mini-games featuring neighborhood residents, like Abby’s Hide and Grow Seek, starring new creatures called Magical Beasties. Portals will connect users on the Sesame hub to the games, including Sesame Street: Magical Beastie Quest. 

Users can also watch exclusive show clips, including the Nov. 8 premiere of "Tales from 123," a brand new animated segment first teased in May. It's all leading up to Sesame Street Day, celebrated on Nov. 10.

“With gaming and immersive experiences growing in popularity alongside streaming video platforms, this launch is a vital new contribution to our audience-first, omni-channel approach," said Aaron Bisman, senior vice president of marketing at Sesame Workshop. "Our mission is to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder and our new Roblox Hub is an exciting new way we’re delivering on that. We can’t wait to welcome fans of all ages to explore our neighborhood."

The experience was supported by a grant from the Roblox Development Fund and created by Roblox game creators Shovel Team and immersive next-gen tech companies Exclusible and MindTrust, Sesame explained. 

The nonprofit co-created Sesame Street Mecha Builders: The Game with Roblox in 2022, which features STEM challenges for players 4 years and up. Nonprofit educational media has been investing heavily in childhood gaming, including PBS KIDS. In addition to its popular games app, PBS KIDS announced its own age-appropriate and expert-overseen gameplay show content, intended to provide a safer alternative to adult-led live stream and gameplay accounts. 

"The Sesame Workshop team understands the great power of meeting learners where they are, not just by showing up on Roblox, but by bringing to life a living, explorable Hub and leading players into worlds and narratives that can motivate and reinforce learning,” said Rebecca Kantar, head of education at Roblox. 

Users hunt for magical beasties in Abby Cadabby's colorful garden. Credit: Sesame Workshop

Sesame Street: Neighborhood Adventures is open to players of all ages, which may prompt alarm among those who have followed the gaming platform's legal troubles.  

"​​Our approach to developing the Sesame Street Hub on Roblox has been guided by rigorous safety standards and child-centered design," Sesame Workshop told Mashable. "Within the Hub, there are no social features that could expose children to harmful interactions. For example, the chat is disabled and users create their own avatar with kid-friendly elements (so children are not exposed to avatars that may not be age-appropriate)." Players under the age of 13 can't make purchases in the experience, either. 

Despite adding dozens of new safety features intended to protect young users, the platform is still often connected to child harm, according to an analysis by Lawsuit Legal News. Roblox filed 24,000 reports on suspected child exploitation to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in 2024, and is also facing multiple lawsuits, which accuse the company of failing to institute appropriate safety protocols. Another two were filed last week, alleging Roblox knowingly enabled environments where predators can target children.

"Sesame Workshop is deeply committed to creating high-quality, safe experiences for children and families across the platforms where they spend time. By creating a safe, age-appropriate, and educational space within Roblox, we are meeting children where they are while providing an environment that families can trust," the nonprofit stated.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Mashables favorite portable power stations are 50% off for October Prime Day

Mashable - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 14:45
Best October Prime Day deals on portable power stations Best overall deal Anker Solix C1000 portable power station $379.00 at Amazon (save $360) Get Deal Best bundle deal with a solar panel EcoFlow Delta 2 portable power station with 220W solar panel $649 (save $650 + get a free 45W solar panel and a free carrying bag) Get Deal Best small portable power station deal Jackery Explorer 240 v2 $179 (save $70) Get Deal

Portable power stations are here to save the day, and that's not even an exaggeration. These puppies pack in the power to recharge your phone, laptop, keep the refrigerator cooling, and the WiFi router powered on during a storm. Portable power stations come in tons of sizes with various specialties like being great for camping or coming with enough juice to power your entire home for days should a major storm roll through.

Amazon's October Prime Day sale is here, and there are great deals already on offer. Some of my favorite portable power stations are already sitting at record-low prices at Amazon. Others come with freebies like solar panels and carrying cases. Whatever your portable power needs are, Amazon likely has a model in stock and on sale before Big Deals Days kicks off. Here are some highlights.

Best overall deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C1000 portable power station $399 at Amazon
$799 Save $400 Get Deal Why we like it

Read our full review of the Anker Solix C1000 portable power station.

In my testing for the best portable power station, the Anker Solix C1000 emerged as the best overall option for most situations. It comes with a solid 1,056Wh of battery storage, it's easy to carry, is pretty lightweight, and comes with a super useful light bar. Thanks to this Amazon pre-Prime Day sale, it's already at a record-low price of $399 which is a sweet 50% off the normal price of $799.

The Anker Solix C1000 takes just one hour to recharge and it's expandable, should you decide you'd like more power. When testing, I used the Solix C1000 to power a projector for outdoor movie nights, cook dinner in the air fryer, and power up the coffee maker. The Solix C1000 comes with six AC power ports, two USB-A, and two USB-C ports, so there are plenty of options.

Best bundle deal with solar panel Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti AC180 Solar Generator with 200W Solar Panel $645.03 at Amazon
$1,099 Save $453.97 Get Deal Why we like it

Need a power station that's going to keep you going when you're not near an outlet? Bluetti AC180 has your back with this 1153Wh bundle of power alongside a 200W solar panel bundle. Plugging this badboy into a wall socket before going on your big adventure will charge up to around 80% in 45 mins, no there's no worries if you forgot (we've all been there). You can also charge it with the included Solar Panel, power generators and car ports, so there's plenty of versatility for an emergency situation.

This will charge anything without breaking a sweat. You've got 4 x AC outlets, 1 x car outlet, 1 x wireless charging pad, 1 x USB-C and 4 x USB-A. Even the solar panel has four panels and three sturdy kickstands to make sure you're getting the most of that sunny goodness hitting your power station. This bundle being over $400 off, you'd be missing out not having this on your next camping trip.

Best small portable power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 240 v2 $174 at Amazon
$249 Save $75 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're in the market for a portable power station that will keep phones and laptops charged during a power outage that doesn't cost a bunch, the Jackery Explorer 240 v2 could be the best option during Prime Day. Instead of paying the list price of $249, it's on sale for just $174. This smaller model offers two USB-C ports, one USB-A, and one AC. There's also a light that'll assist with plugging things in should you be in the dark.

Anker portable power station dealsBluetti portable power station dealsEcoFlow portable power station dealsJackery portable power station deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Apple Watch deals for Prime Day include one of the best Apple Watch deals weve seen this year

Mashable - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 14:33
Best Apple Watch deals ahead of October Prime Day Best Series 11 deal Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) 🔥 $389 (save $10) Get Deal Best Series 10 deal Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS + cellular, 42mm) 🔥 $329 (save $170) Get Deal Best SE deal Apple Watch SE, 2nd generation (GPS, 40mm) $169.99 (save $79.01) Get Deal Best Ultra Deal Apple Watch Ultra 3 (GPS + cellular, 49mm) 🔥 $779.99 (save $19.01) Get Deal

Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale is here, and Apple Watch deals are reflecting that. Not only are older models marked down up to $170, but Amazon is also pricing starting models $10 lower than Apple.

Ahead of October Prime Day's official start, you could grab the Apple Watch Series 10 with cellular connectivity for an impressive $170 off (putting it down to the same price as it's non-cellular counterpart). Luckily, that deal is still live at the start of Prime Big Deal Days and joined by several Apple Watch deals.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's October Prime Day is coming on October 7 — here are 30+ early deals to shop now

More interested in the newer models? No problem — the Series 11 has a small $10 price cut. On a budget? The second-generation SE watches are both below $200. Plus, we finally spotted a deal on the Apple Watch Ultra.

Note: Deals marked with a 🔥 denote an all-time low price.

Best Apple Watch deal Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS + cellular, 42mm) 🔥 $329 at Amazon
$499 Save $170 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Apple Watch Series 10.

The Series 10 offers lightning fast battery charging, the fitness sensors like heart rate monitoring, temperature sensing, and depth gauges, and in this model, cellular capability for the cost of the non-cellular models out there. The $170 price cut marks an all-time low for this watch, which earlier this week was priced at $429. Most times, we anticipate that the best deals will come during the actual days of the sale, but this is one of those cases where we'd be surprised if the price dips any lower, making it a great grab for an early deal.

More Apple Watch deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

We tracked down 11 of the best iPad deals live for October Prime Day

Mashable - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 14:01
Best iPad deals for October Prime Day Best iPad deal Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, WiFi, 128GB) 🔥 $279 (save $70) Get Deal Best iPad Air deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB) 🔥 $449 (save $150) Get Deal Best iPad Pro deal Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 256GB) $899 (save $100) Get Deal

Whether you're an artist in search of a multi-tasking tablet or an avid reader who wants more functionality than your standard e-reader might offer, iPads can serve a multitude of functions.

They are, however, not the cheapest tablets on the market, which is why waiting for a sale like Prime Big Deal Days (otherwise known as October Prime Day) has a certain strategic appeal.

Now that October Prime Day is in full swing, the iPad deals have gotten a real boost. Both the standard iPad and iPad Air, 11-inch are down to their lowest prices, plus, we spotted an iPad Pro down to its lowest price ever, too. Here are all of the best deals on iPads during Prime Big Deal Days.

Note: Deals marked with a 🔥 denote an all-time low price.

Best iPad deal Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, WiFi, 128GB) 🔥 $279 at Amazon
$349 Save $70 Get Deal Why we like it

When it comes to iPads, there are plenty of options to choose from, but sometimes sticking to the basics makes the most sense. The A16 iPad is nothing flashy, but it's an excellent budget option that still has enough juice to power you through taking notes, watching your favorite shows, and reading books and articles. While we don't necessarily recommend it for anyone who wants their tablet to double up as a laptop, it'll more than do the job for most tablet-oriented everyday tasks.

The iPad, 11-inch model with A16 chip is down to $279, which according to Camelcamelcamel is the tablet's lowest price ever. It's now marked down $70, for 20% savings. It's the best deal we've spotted among iPads but if you're interested in investing in an iPad Air or Pro, there are plenty of savings to explore there.

iPad dealsiPad Air dealsiPad Pro deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Should Taylor Swift be calling herself a showgirl?

Mashable - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 14:00

In the final, titular track of her last album, The Life of a Showgirl, Taylor Swift proclaims, "Now I know the life of a showgirl, babe."

But does she?

This question, like many circling Swift's latest record, has the internet taking sides: some who believe Taylor Swift is indeed a showgirl, and others who think she's appropriating sex workers. 

SEE ALSO: Did Taylor Swift swipe a lyric from a TikTok creator?

The term "showgirl" carries certain connotations — one of a sexy, burlesque performer in a seedy nightclub or Las Vegas stage — that don't quite align with Taylor Swift's brand. But then again, maybe Swift is redefining the term itself. Mashable spoke with adult entertainers to see if Swift has that ol' razzle dazzle.

What is a showgirl?

If you Google the definition of "showgirl," you'll find the Oxford Languages definition: "an actress who sings and dances in musicals, variety acts, and similar shows."

Swift sort of fits that description. Acting isn't her forte (though she did more recently appear in Cats and Amsterdam), but she does sing and dance. However, digging a little further, "showgirl" has a more specific meaning.

In a 1994 article, "The Glorifier," about 20th-century Broadway impresario Florenz Ziegfeld Jr. and the creation of the American showgirl, Michael Lasser wrote that in the early 1900s, showgirls "offered something new: the tantalizing promise of sexual perfection."

Lasser wrote, "Despite the relish with which he fussed over details, Ziegfeld never lost sight of his own sustaining vision of beauty, sexuality, and audience appeal." He selected every showgirl himself and said they must attract men and promise both romance and excitement.

"Every night, from 8:40 p.m. until just before midnight, the showgirl was fantasy incarnate," Lasser wrote. Sexuality and fantasy, then, were inseparable from the showgirl.

Ziegfeld is arguably most known for his revue Ziegfeld Follies, which inspired the long-running Las Vegas-based revue Jubilee! — which then inspired the visuals for The Life of a Showgirl, according to designer Bob Mackie.

Jubilee!, which ran in Vegas for over 30 years, featured many topless performers. In 2015, Thrillist reported that, "Jubilee! is the last surviving representative of Vegas' signature form of entertainment: the epically magnificent topless review."

For more confirmation, look at cinematic showgirls. In the 1995 film Showgirls, the protagonist begins her Vegas career dancing at a strip club and then becomes the topless star of a big production. 

The same is true for 2024's The Last Showgirl, in which Pamela Anderson plays an aging topless performer in Vegas. 

So…is Taylor Swift a showgirl?

Shortly after Swift announced the album title in August, performer and model Gwen Adora posted on Bluesky that "Taylor Swift calling herself a showgirl is stolen working-class valour."

not to get political on here, but Taylor Swift calling herself a showgirl is stolen working class valour and I will stand on that hill.

— Gwen Adora ☀️ (@gwenadora.bsky.social) August 13, 2025 at 9:53 AM

Despite replies from Swift fans that insist she is a showgirl, Adora stands by her point. 

"People think of taking clothes off when they think of showgirls," she told Mashable, "or Vegas performers, feathers, working class ladies in a can-can line…to me, that's not who Taylor Swift is."

"Taylor Swift is a hard worker and a good performer, but she doesn't have a working-class background in doing revue shows or doing theater performances," Adora continued, "and she's not doing erotic entertainment."

Swift's brand is distinctly girl next door — and despite the sexuality of her new song "Wood," her raves about her fiancé Travis Kelce's penis are all done in euphemisms. Even so, the lyric videos released in AMC theaters last weekend swapped some of the more suggestive lines for something more kid-friendly, like "open my thighs" to "open my skies."

Prior to the album release, Adora theorized that Swift would use the term as a metaphor and character in her album. But once the album came out, the visuals didn't really coincide with the vibes of the songs, which take musical inspiration from disco and 2000s pop punk. There are songs about being a performer (or, really, being famous), a mainstay of Swift's most recent work, including "Elizabeth Taylor," which explores whether fame is fleeting, and "Father Figure," which examines her power in the industry. But other than the titular track, there is not much about the showgirl life on the album. And until the last verse, Swift herself isn't the showgirl in question.

"Before the album came out, I would have assumed there would be strong metaphoric ties and a bit of research to make the symbolism work for her," Adora texted Mashable on the day of the album release. "Now it just feels like Taylor Swift is just appropriating a title for fun? For pure aesthetic? This feels extra careless."

Adora believes the showgirl aesthetic is an unusual choice, given that it's an industry with a deep history of labor exploitation and marginalization. "Especially during an era of modesty, labor rights movements, and suppressing sexual expression," Adora said, harking to the wave of age verification laws that are serving to chill both explicit and non-explicit content in the U.S. and elsewhere. There is also a surge of laws attempting to ban pornography in the U.S., on top of bans on drag performance in certain states.

In terms of modesty, the "tradwife" has risen online and in popular culture — including in Swift's music. In "Wi$h Li$t," she doesn't dream of career achievements, but of having kids and a lawn with a basketball hoop. 

For the New York Times, journalist Lissa Townsend Rodgers wrote that Taylor Swift isn't a showgirl either, because she's running the show. 

"She's not simply dancing the steps the choreographer teaches her and wearing the costume the designer pins on her: She created the show," Rodgers wrote. "She's not watching her bank account and auditioning for her job every six months: She's the boss."

Others, however, feel differently.

"I think that most adult entertainers would react favorably to Taylor Swift's use of the term 'showgirl' on her new album," said independent filmmaker, content creator, and adult performer MsSexySaigon in an email to Mashable. While "showgirl" has been historically associated with Las Vegas performers in musical productions, the term expanded to include strippers with the decades-ago launch of the adult entertainment club, Deja Vu, she continued.

With Instagram, OnlyFans, and camming today, there's an argument that women who are digital-media entrepreneurs and possess a broad skill set (including producing, scripting, set design, filming, acting, dancing, and marketing) are, in fact, showrunners.  

"Would these show performers/show runners (or showgirls) in some way feel elevated by the fact that Ms. Swift, in her artistic vision, chose to identify with the term, 'showgirl'?" Saigon asked. "Could they relate to and identify with aspects of the experiences of the show business highs and lows that Taylor Swift explores in her music?"

"I think that the answer to both questions is 'yes,'" she said.

Swiftly changing language

Adora believes that The Life of a Showgirl will have an impact that includes a shift in the meaning of "showgirl."

For one thing, Swift has many more people talking about showgirls in general. According to Google Trends, searches for "showgirl" have blown up 1,957 percent in the past quarter.

Credit: Google Trends

"Now that word has a different meaning to it, because Taylor Swift and her team have given it a different meaning, whether their intention was to do that or not," Adora said. "That's just how mega popstars work."

"Nothing is divorced from how it impacts culture and how people use language," she continued. Now, if people use "life of a showgirl" to caption their birthday and Halloween social media posts or Stories of themselves going to the movies, the term "showgirl" will be distilled, Adora opined, to make it for commodifiable to a larger audience.

This "takes away from the actual definition of the term and takes away from the hard work, effort, and glamor that actual working show-people, showgirls, show-women, show-men, put into their artistry and their craft," Adora said. 

Whether this Swift-ladden showgirl meaning will take root in the long term remains to be seen, but our feeds will be overtaken with it — and with Portofino orange — for the foreseeable future.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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